Jericho Lands Development

List of 7 items.

• Has the Jericho Lands development been approved?

  Yes. The draft policy statement was unanimously approved by Vancouver City Council in January 2024. WPGA is published in the development’s master plan as a key stakeholder (pg. 57) and is fully supported for inclusion in the redevelopment by MST DC and the City of Vancouver, with considerations for uninterrupted use of our facilities in the interim. MST DC and the City of Vancouver now work toward the rezoning process for the four-phased redevelopment, which, as of 2025, is expected to span 25 years. 

• What is the lease arrangement?

  Throughout WPGA’s history, the school’s lease has been resigned in 10-year terms; in 2024, our current school lease (2020-2030) was approved for renewal to 2040 by MST DC, reflecting our relationship and commitment to an ongoing agreement in perpetuity with the landowners.
  
  In due course, we will negotiate a long-term (perpetual) lease with MST DC for a new building site at a mutually agreed upon and desired location on the Jericho Lands.

• Why isn't WPGA in the draft ODP (Official Development Plan) released in February 2025?

  West Point Grey Academy is referenced in the Policy Statement under Policy 5.3.11 (p. 56). The City is supportive of provision and inclusion of WPGA in the Jericho Lands redevelopment. This will be subject to a commercial agreement between the Landowners and WPGA.  

   

  Per City guidelines, the Policy Statement is the primary and most comprehensive policy framework to guide redevelopment of the Jericho Lands. The ODP complements the Policy Statement and provides more specific requirements related to permitted floor areas, land uses, housing tenures, public amenities, and development phasing in a bylaw format. An independent school is an institutional use, which would be a permitted use under “Flex Uses” in the ODP. 

   

  Similarly, the MST Partnership has confirmed, in writing, that WPGA is part of the overall development plan, subject to a mutual use agreement between the school and MST DC. WPGA's new facilities will most likely be built just east of our current site. 
  
  Note the ODP is not a City planning requirement; rather, it is being prepared at the request of MST Partnership to support financing from lenders in advance of project implementation. City Council will consider the draft ODP at a public hearing in April 2025. 

• Will the school move elsewhere or stay on the Jericho Lands?

  WPGA is fully supported for inclusion in the Jericho Lands development. We have no plans to relocate elsewhere and are excited to be part of this historic development.

• How will the redevelopment impact WPGA over the next 10 years?

  Insofar as teaching, learning, and general school operations, the school will be minimally impacted, with no disruption to student learning and enjoyment. 
  
  Over the next 10 years, we are excited to plan for purpose-built, best-in-class educational facilities on a new location on the Jericho Lands. The new build will truly reflect our future-focused vision and commitment to continual innovation in learning.

• Will the school need to move during the development?

  No. WPGA will remain on our current site until we are ready to occupy new facilities on the Jericho Lands. Disruptions will be minimal and will not impede any aspect of student learning and enjoyment.

• Where can I find updates about the Jericho Lands development?

  WPGA will continue to share updates with families and the broader school community as available. 
  
  Information about the Jericho Lands development is outlined in detail on the City of Vancouver project website.